Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Steady, soldier. England's side might be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however some remain within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Anniversary City

Even now, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most vocal – tourist followers will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they witnessed on that historic tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "however we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's top-order failures since prior to many current players started playing. They've observed more dropped catches than key pacemen have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who understand how to survive a series sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Force At the Ground

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a royal figure conducting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and visibility has now masked quite how stunning their rise of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few followers were united in good-natured humour about failure at England's woeful away record. Now their legacy is so linked with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've certainly come a far since the initial chants.

One veteran recalls the excited anticipation of the series start of that formative tour. After the Australians on top, he led a small conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a chant about convicts. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we still get today," he recalls. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect From Players

After defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country must have been slightly mad. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had increased significantly. The players, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a senior player invited a fan leader up to the victory celebration to join in the festivities. Such camaraderie remains.

An Evolving Business

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the English game as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their travel packages will host a large number of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The reason they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it launched a thriving business. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, especially at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a significant portion of their clientele are now female. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now nearing their fifth decade – mirroring the pioneers, who have been happy to step away from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.